Tips and hints to help plan your travel this winter break

With the winter break in sight, here are a handful of tips and hints which may be helpful for finding cheaper travel: 

• Train tickets
  Look for hidden fares and split tickets wherever possible. Visit the University Travel Guide webpage for train ticket hints and tips including when tickets are likely to jump in price, how to find split tickets while not splitting your journey, and your refund rights.
• Railcards
  You may be eligible to make significant savings on train journeys with a Railcard. Visit the Trainline website to find out what Railcard is right for you. 
• Train strike dates
  Train strikes will severely impact travel on 13, 14, 16, and 17 December, as well as on the mornings after the strikes (15 and 18 December). Make alternative travel arrangements during this period if possible. Only travel by train if it is absolutely necessary, and expect severe disruption if you do. Make sure you are aware of your refund rights.
• Flights
  Visit the University Travel Guide website for advice on how to bag cheap scheduled and charter flights, and the best time to book them.

Visit the Save The Student website for a variety of the latest student travel deals.

Other money tips 

• ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ schemes allow you to pay for shopping in installments. It is worth noting that missed or late payments could negatively impact your credit score – or boost it if you pay on time.
• Student bank accounts offer benefits like sign-up perks and interest-free overdrafts. See if a student bank account could be right for you.
  

Further information and support 

• The SUSU Advice Centre can provide you with free, independent, and confidential advice and information on practical matters.
• The Student Hub is your first point of contact for questions and concerns relating to fees, financial support and more.
• Visit the Cost of Living SharePoint site for all up-to-date information on financial support available to you at the University and discounts on campus.  

Other tips this winter break 

• If you are not staying in halls over the break, please leave your heater on the lowest ‘frost’ setting, rather than turning the heating off entirely. This will help us reduce our carbon footprint (and prevent pipes from freezing).